"I didn’t always want to go on a mission. I would often pray about it, but I never really had an open mind or desire to serve. It wasn’t until I developed a desire to serve those around me that I received an answer to my prayers. After praying with this desire, I received a strong impression from God that if I wanted to serve Him, I should go on a mission and that it would be a good thing for me. Once I got this answer, I knew that I was going to serve a mission. Since I have gotten my mission call, I have gained a greater testimony of missionary work and the importance of bringing others the knowledge of the gospel. I am excited to serve God by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing people to Him. I know that this is Christ’s church on the Earth today, and this has brought me so much happiness in my life. I can’t wait to share the joy of this message with the people in Washington D.C.! ​​I am a student a Brigham Young University studying art history. I enjoy swimming, drawing, and hanging out with my family and friends! I also love animals, musicals, and going to the beach!"

"It took me a while to decide if I was going on a mission or not. It took me a whole year of praying, fasting, studying the scriptures, and attending the temple. I got the confirmation that it was my choice to make and Heavenly Father will take care of the rest. I felt nothing but joy and comfort when I finally decided to go on a mission.

Through the year and half attending BYU- Idaho, I discovered I absolutely love the Latin culture. I went Latin dancing every Friday night and made lots of friends who enjoy Latin as much as me. When I am not studying for exams, I love being around my friends and go on adventures. The best days for me were the ones not planned."

"Throughout my life, I have always wanted to go on a mission. Even during all my trials, going on a mission was still my end goal. I love helping people, and I know this is what the Lord wants me to do. Spending a semester at BYU-Idaho only increased my desire to serve a mission. I am very excited to serve the people of Panama.

I just got home from my first semester at BYU-Idaho, as a business major. I have decided that business is not for me, and I plan on going into the medical field when I return home from my mission. I enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and every other activity imaginable. I’m always willing to have a good time."

"I recently completed my term at Santa Rosa Junior College in preparation to transfer to BYU. My favorite pastimes are working on cars and motorcycles as well as adventuring on road trips. I also enjoy lying with my dogs while reading. I hope to spend my career helping others in the medical field.

As a teenager, I had never imagined that I would go on a mission or attend BYU. When I was 18, I decided that I would do my own thing, far away from the church and it's standards. However, after the few subsequent years of discontent, I experienced a change of heart and found my way back to Christ. On that same day, after earnestly reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, I knew that I needed to serve a mission. I have spent almost three years now in preparing for that call. I have never looked forward to something as much as I have in my desire to serve my brothers and sisters in the Cincinnati Ohio Mission."

Elder Ryan VielCalled to Serve January 2015 to January 2017Des Moines, Iowa MissionHis favorite scripture is John 15:15

"I just got back from my mission in January, and I have been working construction until I go to BYU Idaho in the fall. I love my family.

I cannot express my gratitude for all that the Lord has done for me. That I, his stubborn foolish son, could be so blessed. That he would have so much patience with me. That time and again he still forgives me and heals me through His Son. I know that Christ lives because I have felt him the cleansing power of His atonement. I love my Savior. He shows me the kind of man I can become, how to get there, and because He went through it first He gives me the strength and desire to do it. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of God, that Jesus Christ lives and leads this church. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I grew up with the Gospel and am so thankful for that. It is the single greatest gift I could ever received. My family can be eternal and my future family can as well. "

"I have been attending BYU hawaii for the past semester and have now returned home to Vacaville, CA to prepare to serve. I love to spend time outdoors, play music, laugh, and snuggle with my German Shepherd, Colby! I have always had a yearn to travel as well, and am SO excited to do so.

My decision to serve a mission actually came very recently, right before I left to Hawaii for school. I had never desired to serve a mission before as I did not want to risk being sent anywhere i did not want to go. In fact, I was almost sure that a mission would just be forever out of the picture for me. That was until I started experiencing many doubts and fears about my life and decided to pray about what plan of action to take. I suddenly felt that I should serve a mission and the warmest, comforting feeling surrounded me. All my stipulations i had on why I previously did not want to serve melted away, and I knew I needed to serve the Lord. Heavenly Father has done so much for me in my life, and a mission is basically my way as saying thank you. The gospel has helped me through so many challenges and I could not imagine a world where I didn't have it as my anchor. I want others to experience that same surety and comfort that I have been so blessed to receive."

"Not serving a mission wasn't really ever a question. In the church young men are encouraged to serve missions, and sometimes it seems mandatory. It is especially pressing when your brother has gone on a mission and your parents have the expectation that you will go too. It wasn't really a problem for me, I didn't mind going. But as I have grown up, the idea of going on a mission became more exciting to me. I realized how much God has given me, and that two years of my life serving Him in a country halfway across the world is just a fraction of what I can give back."

"I like mountain biking, playing sports, and just hanging out with friends and family. I just finished my freshmen year at BYU in Provo, Utah. I still don't have a clue what to do for a career, so I will probably just put that off for two years while on my mission. I haven't had much experience with Indian culture, but hopefully I will be able to fit in and my whiteness won't attract too much attention!"

Elder Garrett Wayne WitteCalled to Serve July 2016 - July 2018Fort Worth, Texas MissionHis Favorite Scripture is John 15:13“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

“Ever since I had learned what a mission was, I wanted to go on one. I had done the math and made a plan that I would go on my mission as soon as I could. When President Monson announced that the missionary age for men would be lowered to 18, this made my plan a lot easier. I would go as soon as I graduate high school. I know that I am doing the Lord’s work and He will protect me while I am serving Him. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet and the Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet who will guide us back to the Lord. I am excited to return to the land of my ancestors and serve the people of Texas."

“I am just about to graduate from Vanden High School and I am planning on going to BYU Idaho after my mission and then serving in the military after college. I love to hunt, fish, surf, mountain bike,and go camping. I also love being with my friends and family. I am going to miss them all while I am gone, but I know that it will be worth it."

"From a very young age I have always known that I wanted to serve a mission. Because of this desire, I made a plan to serve a mission after one year of college. When President Monson announced the age change for missionary service from 19 to 18 for men I thought it was interesting, but not for me. This thought stemmed from the fact that I already had made up my mind on when to go. It didn’t happen immediately and there was no definite event that made me change my mind about when I should go, but it was through scripture reading and prayer that I was eventually led to the conclusion that I was meant to serve right out of High School. I know that I am doing what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I know that the gospel has been restored to the earth in its fullness through the prophet Joseph Smith and I am excited to share this with the people of Brazil."

"I just graduated from Vanden High School and am planning to attend BYU at the end of my mission.I enjoy hiking, mountain biking and being surrounded by my friends and family. I also enjoy playing guitar and piano."

"Serving a mission was never in my life plan. When the mission age changed I realized that serving a mission was a real possibility. When I was approaching my 19th birthday I started to pray whether a mission was the right decision for me.I received a very strong answer that I could not ignore; I knew I needed to serve amission. Committing to the decision was a little hard at first, but now that I am only a few days away from leaving I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for the next 18 months of my life. I have been blessed to gain my own testimony of the truthfulness of this church through the power of the Holy Ghost. I know that we all have a loving Heavenly Father who we can pray to. I know that we have a Savior who has atoned for our sins so that we can repent and return to live with our families forever. This gospel has brought me so much joy and I can’t wait bring it to the people of Japan and have it bless their life as it has blessed mine!"

"I am a student at BYU studying Biology Education. I love my family and hanging out with my siblings. I love to watch and play all different types of sports. Also, I enjoy dancingand playing card games."

"I have always known I've wanted to serve a mission for as long as I can remember. Even a kid I knew my plan to go to college for a year then go on a full-time two year mission. The goal to go on a mission has been a bigger goal to me than even going to college. But the real reason I want to go on a mission is to share this Gospel that has shaped and blessed my life in so many ways. The Gospel is the soup reason I am where I am today and why I am surrounded by the people who love me. I want to go on a mission so I can have the chance to give anyone and everyone the opportunity to share these same blessings."

"Who said the essentials of life can't also be enjoyable?I love eating and sleeping, and of course volleyball. I also enjoy a good book and creating art."

"I have been blessed to grow up in a home where I was taught to follow the example of Christ. I knew from a young age that my family could be together forever. When the announcement came that younger sisters could now serve a mission, I began to pray, asking my Heavenly Father if this was the right path for me. After many prayers, I received my answer. I am going on a mission! I am excited to share Christ's example and the wonderful plan that allows families to be together eternally with people in Argentina."

"I currently attend BYU and am studying Athletic Training. I love running, playing tennis, and doing basically anything outdoors. A great day for me would be hiking and hanging out in the mountains, surrounded by trees and my family. I love music, especially playing piano."

"Growing up, serving a mission was never in my plan, I just thought it wasn’t for me. No one ever pushed the idea on me, or expected me to go. I felt this way up until college. While attending BYU- Idaho, and being surrounded by great friends and seeing many of them decide to serve a mission, I kept having the feeling I needed to go as well. I realized that the gospel is what brings me the most happiness in life, and I have been so blessed to grow up with it. By serving a mission, I can share this wonderful gospel with as many people I can, giving 18 months of my life to our Heavenly Father, who has given me everything. I know the Lord has a purpose for me to serve in Argentina, and I am so excited to see the changes in others as well as myself. ""I attend BYU-Idaho, where I study Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. I live an active lifestyle, enjoy tennis, running, hiking, and most outdoor activities. I like to sing and play the guitar for fun, and I’m always up for a good laugh. My family and friends mean the world to me, and so do my cats. J I love the life I’ve been given and I try to live each day to its fullest."

"I decided to serve a mission because I knew that a mission is what heavenly father had in store for me through lots of prayer. I have seen how the missionaries have impacted my life by their great example and love of the savior. I want to serve a mission because I want others to receive the joy and happiness of the gospel that it brings. I know that there are people in The West Indies that I am supposed to help teach and I wouldn't be going if I didn't know that this gospel is true. I know that our heavenly father loves all of his children and wants them to come home. My purpose is to bring others to Christ and that is why I am going."

"I attend BYU-Idaho, however I deferred in order for me to serve my mission. I love to read books, Dance, sing, play my guitar and play soccer. I also love traveling and I have traveled to Europe before after I graduated high school."

"I decided to serve a mission because I have seen the influence the gospel of Jesus Christ can have on people. I know it is a huge blessing in people's lives and I want to be able to help as many as I can. I also know that without our Heavenly Father, we wouldn't be here, so what's a mere two years compared to eternity? It is the very least I can do to serve the Lord to devote two years to Him. I also know that I can grow personally closer to our Father in Heaven, and that I can grow as a person both mentally and spiritually. Serving a mission is ultimately a blessing for everyone involved and the sacrifice is little compared to the reward."

"I am attending Brigham Young University in Utah, although I deferred in order to serve my mission. my plan is to major in Exercise Science and then attend medical school. I enjoy a lot of things, but I absolutely love spending my free time rock climbing whenever I can. I also enjoy slacklining, which is a bouncier version of a tightrope. I love playing soccer and watching it on TV, especially when one of my favorite teams are on. I like skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, basically anything that involves a board. Most of all, I love living and the life Heavenly Father has blessed me with."

"I have always liked to have everything planned out, so it was my plan to graduate early from college and go on to earn a graduate degree. This, however, was not Heavenly Father's plan for me right now. After a series of rejections, I devoted a lot of time to praying and searching the scriptures, trying to figure out what the next step would be. I never intended to go on a mission. I thought that was a nice thing for other people to do, but not for me. But a mission kept coming to mind. I started reading Preach My Gospel, the missionary study manual, and the notion that I should serve a mission became more and more persistent. This culminated with a Priesthood blessing from my father, which gave me the direction and push I needed to start my mission papers. Everything else fell right into place. I am grateful to have this opportunity to serve The Lord and the people in the Cancun area. I love the gospel and wish to share it with everyone so that they too may experience the joy I have come to know by living it. I am grateful that God loved me enough to cut me down so I can become the woman He intends me to be."

"I graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's in Communication Disorders. I am a substitute teacher. I enjoy playing the piano and singing.I also play the ukulele a little bit. I love to garden and read. I am into Sci Fi shows, especially Doctor Who and Star Trek. I also thoroughly enjoy playing board or card games with friends and family."

"I chose to serve my mission out of gratitude to my Heavenly Father, and to show my willingness to follow Him. He's blessed me far more in my life than I know I deserve. I chose to serve not to pay Him back for the things he's done for me, but because I feel so thankful that I want to help the one who has been so good to me. I know this is where I should be, and I know that my life will be better because of it. I'm thankful for the people around me that influenced me and pushed me to serve."

Sister Sarah BrownCalled to Serve September 2013 through March of 2015Serving the Adriatic North MissionHer Favorite Scripture: TBA

I want to serve a mission because I want to share the joy I have felt in my life with other people so they can receive the joy of the gospel. I also feel prompted to serve a mission because of all the things that the Lord has done for me in my life. I know that the Lord has prepared me to teach people that are looking for the gospel. I know that if I work hard and remain worthy, the Lord will lead me to find the people who need the gospel and will bless not only my life but the lives of my investigators and my family. I know the church is true and the Book of Mormon is true.

I like swimming and dancing. I'm attending BYU, majoring in sociology. I enjoy drawing and painting. I love traveling. I have been to Africa and to Europe.

Elder Kyle Whitney

Called to Serve September 2013 - September 2015Serving the Eugene, Oregon Mission His Favorite Scripture: 1 Nephi 3:7

The reason why I decided to become a missionary is because I was commanded by the Lord to go out and spread the gospel. I feel it’s my duty and my job to go on a mission. My Father did not have the opportunity to serve a mission and he strongly encouraged me to do so.

I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing sports (baseball, football, and basketball mainly), and going to San Francisco Giants games (my all-time favorite). Go Giants!!! I like to also go hat shopping; you cannot go wrong with hats. I really just mainly like to have fun with my friends and family.

Sister Kiana Stewart

Called to Serve September 2013 - March 2015Serving the Madagascar Antananarivo Mission and Reunion Mission RegionHer Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Ever since high school I have had a strong desire to serve a mission. While other girls were planning their dream weddings I was day dreaming of places I could be assigned in the future. This dream of mine only grew with time. In October of 2012 when the announcement was made to allow younger sisters to serve and I had received a spiritual confirmation of my desire, I was overjoyed to submit my mission papers.

I'm a BYU college student and in my spare time I love to read books and hang out with friends.I enjoy trying new things including new restaurants, rock climbing and playing guitar.

Elder Sebastian Brown

Called to Serve July 2013 - July 2015Serving the Romania Moldova MissionHis Favorite Scripture: D&C 88:63

"Recently I’ve been learning to surf. I also like to draw, eat, and hike. My favorite sport is tennis, which I played in high school. I want to serve a mission to spread the word of the restored gospel to others and become closer to my Heavenly Father. I know that Christ truly did establish a true and living Atonement, which has brought much joy and relief in my life. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers, and hope to be able to help others find their way to the truth."

Elder Matt Stephens

Called to Serve July 2013 - July 2015Serving the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk MissionHis Favorite Scripture: Alama 29:1

"I enjoy sports, including snowboarding, camping and hiking, and running. I am serving a mission because The Church of Jesus Christ makes me and my family very happy. Knowing that our Heavenly Father has an eternal plan for us has been very comforting to me. Most of all, I know that this gospel and the Book of Mormon are true, and I want to share this knowledge with the people of Ukraine."

"I have always enjoyed playing sports with my friends and being active. I played soccer and ran track in high school, and I have played just about every other sport as well. I love learning to do new things. In the last year, I learned how to play guitar, how to snowboard, and how to survive my freshman year at college. All three of these experiences were difficult and even painful at times, but they were all very rewarding and brought me happiness. However, that happiness cannot compare to the happiness that has come to me through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He is my Savior and that it is through Him that we can have everlasting joy. Through Him we can be cleansed of our sins and return to live with our Father in heaven. Having that knowledge has brought so much joy to my life and I cannot help but want to share it with others so that they can find the same knowledge for themselves. That is why I have chosen to serve a mission."

"I really only have one hobby in my life and up in-till recently it really was my life. That hobby is the great sport of ice hockey. I say it was my life because before I decided to go on my mission I left home for the first time in my life and even went to a different country to try to fulfill my dream of going and playing in the NHL as a pro. But while I was there The Lord told me that I needed to go back home and go on a mission even though it was only half way through the season. Now a lot of people especially my teammates and coaches from past teams have asked why I would give up on that dream especially When I had a good shot of making it. My answer is because the Lord has called me to do this marvelous work and I dare not miss this glorious opportunity that will allow me to come closer to god and allow others to come closer to him as well."

Taylor Shane WardApril 20, 1994 - September 4, 2013Keep his family in your prayersOur family is deeply saddened by the the tragic loss of an extraordinary young man who gave his life to serve The Lord.We love Taylor and our hearts go out to the Ward family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family always.

Elder William Ward

"I'm easy going, fun loving, I like to play music, and I have some of the best family and friends one person could ask for. I want to serve a mission to come closer to my heavenly father, and to have a better understanding of his church. I want to serve a mission to help enlighten others so that they might also know that there is a way to return and live with him."

Sister Jocelyn Mikolajcik

Called to serve February 2013 - August 2014Serving the Florida Tampa MissionHer favorite scripture: Alma 48:17

"What I love to do in life is dance, sing, play the guitar, play sports especially soccer and football, reading, riding horses. I want to serve a mission because I want to share the happiness that I get from being a member of this church. I want others to have the opportunity to know and accept the gospel if they so choose to do so."